Calexico Farmworker Outreach Closes Monthlong Binational Health Week Initiative

-Editorial 

While much of Calexico slept, agricultural workers gathered in the chilly early morning hours of Oct. 30, preparing for another day in the fields as Binational Health Week concluded with a community outreach event at the Mexican Consulate gardens.

The event, which began at 1 a.m., brought together government agencies and nonprofit organizations to offer farmworkers breakfast, health services, employment information, and labor rights resources.

Calexico becomes a different city before sunrise, as men and women gather along its streets awaiting transportation or opportunities to work in the fields throughout Imperial Valley.

Mexican Consul in Calexico Rocío Vázquez Álvarez said the event marked the conclusion of a monthlong series of activities promoting preventive health care and community services.

“We have been organizing this breakfast for more than five years as a way to show our appreciation and recognition for agricultural workers while bringing resources and services directly to them,” Vázquez Álvarez said.

The Imperial County Public Health Department provided influenza vaccinations, while participating organizations distributed information about health care, employment opportunities, and assistance programs.

Vázquez Álvarez highlighted the collaboration among government agencies and community organizations throughout October, including health fairs, outreach activities for older adults and binational events that attracted hundreds of participants.

“By bringing together these different agencies, we strengthen our ability to reach people and raise awareness about the importance of taking care of their health,” she said.

She emphasized that individuals should seek available health resources regardless of their immigration status.

“Regardless of immigration status, there are resources available and ways to help people,” Vázquez Álvarez said.

Among the participating organizations was Líderes Campesinas, a nonprofit group that assists agricultural workers with workplace discrimination, wage theft, unpaid hours, missed rest breaks, and harassment.

Ana Rosiles, an organizer and advocate with Líderes Campesinas in Imperial Valley, said the volunteer-based organization works with local agencies to help workers access free services and resolve employment-related concerns.

“We are always collaborating closely with agencies so workers can receive support more quickly,” Rosiles said. “If we refer a farmworker for assistance with wage theft, unpaid hours, or harassment, we follow up to help ensure they receive what they are entitled to.”

Rosiles said the organization also visits agricultural work crews to provide information about labor protections and resources that workers may not know are available.

“We have been farmworkers ourselves, and we know what they have suffered,” she said.

She also expressed concern about the stress agricultural workers are experiencing amid immigration enforcement operations, including those legally authorized to work in the United States.

“Even those who have their documents in order are worried because enforcement operations can happen unexpectedly,” Rosiles said.

Workers seeking assistance can contact Rosiles directly at 760-668-6269.